Comments about Olympus XZ-1 10MP Digital Camera (White):

A great travel camera, small but still has some of the sophistication of the Canon D5 mk 2 SLR I use when required to photograph something commercially. I bought the VF2 viewfinder also, as a retired professional I like the extra stabality of holding the camera to my face and the advantage of actually seeing the photograph I'm about to take rather than guessing when the sun (over my left shoulder, remember that!) is obscuring the image on the back of the camera.
I like the bright lens, the fill flash with percentage control, the tracking focus,
the manual control with the lens ring to change f stop or Iso, and the viewfinder attachment.
I think the only considerations I have with the camera is the interface, but like most new digital gadgets the more you use it the less of a problem it becomes. I think Olympus would be wise to consider redesigning this camera with the viewfinder integrated into the body, this way the size of the unit with the view finder attached could possibly be reduced. Overall it's well made and meets all the criteria that I hoped for.

Comments about Olympus XZ-1 10MP Digital Camera (White):

I use this camera for macro product photography and it does a super job and gives me a wider depth of field. My client is very happy with the results. For me it's about the ideal compact. You can shoot it on full manual and yet it's simple to use and produces excellent images, which is what it's all about. And, of course, it has a fast lens. It's not too big but not to small to use all day.

Comments about Olympus XZ-1 10MP Digital Camera (White):

Intended as a replacement for my DSLR for certain situations where the bulk of a DSLR would cause issues (dog sledding in Alaska).

Functionally, build and easy of use was terrific. With exception of ISO settings, everything was clear and easy to navigate and modify. ISO had to dive into camera menus, for an enthusiast model this is a very inconvenient oversight. However, you will get used to it with use.

I bought it expecting higher image quality, however the limitations of a compact sensor is very evident even compared to an entry level Canon Rebel (XSi). There's a noticeable difference in size decrease compared to a basic DSRL w/kit lens, but not enough to sacrifice the image quality over. If anything, if you need the size advantage, you would probably be better off with a smaller Canon S95, or go bigger slightly with a micro 4/3. I had originally thought of getting the Canon S95, but the lure of th XZ-1's f/1.8-2.5 lens was too strong.

It's a compromise on both ends, but not good enough on either to warrant the price tag. Returned to B&H for refund.

Comments about Olympus XZ-1 10MP Digital Camera (White):

After using this for about 1 mount now, I`ve to say im very satisfied. Sharp images, good ISO (better than Canon G12) and 1.7F its amazing. The effects you can use, was also a lot better than i expected.
This camera is smaller than the G12, so its easier to carry around.

If I`ve to say something negative about this camera, i must say im not 100% satisfied with the video-mode. The focus is a little bit slow.

But when all comes to all im very happy i bought this camera, and I think you will be too!

Comments about Olympus XZ-1 10MP Digital Camera (White):

surprising good performance in low light

Comments about Olympus XZ-1 10MP Digital Camera (White):

I needed a compact camera to carry around all the time (instead of hauling my DSLR and gear around). This camera is perfect for this. I am blown away by how good the lens, the metering and the color are. I can now get truly great results when I don't have my serious camera with me. For me it is just small enough but it also has a nice, well built feel to it. I also love the white with black lens...different.

A perfect camera? No it does have it's faults. No auto exposure or auto focus lock...very disappointed about that, but you can work around it. If you use bracketing (as in HDR) you cannot use it with the timer function (press the shutter and 2 secs. later 3 different brackets fire off). You will have to use a shutter release cable. The HD video is not all that great either, although you can use the "Art Filters" with video which is a lot of fun. This camera is very menu driven in that you have to go into the menu often to make changes, but once you're used to it, it can be done quickly. My biggest gripe?...the pdf owner's manual is absolutely the worst I have ever seen. Come on Olympus! Give us a printed, competent manual! One more big thing...the lens cap has a "nipple" on the back side of it. This will make contact with the lens if you turn the camera on with the cap on. Turn the camera on and the lens extends, pushing the lens cap off. No big deal if you use the lanyard to keep the cap from falling on the ground. But...I noticed a little spot in the center of the lens and then saw that this "nipple" is hitting the lens when I do this. Either always remove the cap before you turn the camera on (you will do forget to do this...a lot), or take a razor blade and cut the "nipple" off and then sand it smooth. I did this and it works fine.

So, what do I love about this camera? The pictures look great. Even in jpeg straight out of camera I love them. The metering, color accuracy and details are fantastic. The super fast 1.8-2.5 iZuiko lens is great. The lens is fast enough to use in low light and be able to use lower ISOs for cleaner images. Also I really like the fact that I can actually blur the background with a compact! Try that with any other point and shoot camera. One more great thing is the extremely sharp display on the back of the camera. I wish my expensive DSLR had this display.

If you need a camera that can go anywhere with you and give really nice results, look no further.

Comments about Olympus XZ-1 10MP Digital Camera (White):

Very useful as a travel, take anywhere camera. The fast lens means that it can be used without pushing up the ISO in almost all normal circumstances. I use the EVF which I find essential, but it increases the cost significantly.

The only problem I have (relatively minor) is that the rear control wheel is too small, and moves too easily. I often find myself making setting changes I don't want, and having to re-set.

Comments about Olympus XZ-1 10MP Digital Camera (White):

Pros : Love body design, perfect size, OLED monitor, hot shoe and high quality Zuiko lens
Cons : Menu and function not really usable like Canon S95. No tread for filter attach. Display no battery indicator, No setting preview time, No date set imprint option, Auto scroll to the next categories which I don't like it